Inter-Korean Buddhist mass praying for reunification held in DPRK

Xinhua News, Oct 13, 2009

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- An inter-Korean joint Buddhist mass praying for national reunification was held at Singye Temple at Mount Kumgang resort in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday, the official KCNA news agency said.

The mass praying, which celebrates the second anniversary of the restoration of the temple, was attended by office-bearers of the DPRK's Central Committee of the Buddhist Federation, and priests and believers both at the temple and from Jogye Order of South Korea, the representative order of traditional Korean Buddhism.

Representatives of both sides said it was a manifestation of the will that the Buddhists of the two sides would like to strengthen bilateral solidarity and cooperation in the efforts to achieve national reunification, the KCNA said.

They also vowed to pave the way for a tour of Mount Kumgang resort and a pilgrimage to Singye Temple, it added.

The Singye Temple was built in 519 and has been ruined several times in its history. The DPRK and South Korea rebuilt it two years ago.